Faculty Collaboration Database

Physical Activity in an Underserved Population: Identifying Technology Preferences. J Phys Act Health 2017 Jan;14(1):3-7

Date

10/25/2016

Pubmed ID

27618680

DOI

10.1123/jpah.2016-0162

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85015932356 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify patterns of use and preferences related to technology platforms that could support physical activity (PA) programs in an underserved population.

METHODS: A 29-item questionnaire was administered at 5 health and wellness sites targeting low income communities in Chicago. Frequency tables were generated for Internet, cell phone, and social media use and preferences. Chi-squared analysis was used to evaluate differences across age and income groups.

RESULTS: A total of 291 individuals participated and were predominantly female (69.0%). Majority reported incomes less than $30,000 (72.9%) and identified as African American/Black/Caribbean (49.3%) or Mexican/Mexican American (34.3%). Most participants regularly used smartphones (63.2%) and the Internet (75.9%). Respondents frequently used Facebook (84.8%), and less commonly used Instagram (43.6%), and Twitter (20.0%). Free Internet-based exercise programs were the most preferred method to increase PA levels (31.6%), while some respondents (21.0%) thought none of the surveyed technology applications would help.

CONCLUSION: Cell phone, Internet, and social media use is common among the surveyed underserved population. Technology preferences to increase PA levels varied, with a considerable number of respondents not preferring the surveyed technology platforms. Creating educational opportunities to increase awareness may maximize the effectiveness of technology-based PA interventions.

Author List

Medairos R, Kang V, Aboubakare C, Kramer M, Dugan SA

Author

Carissa Aboubakare NP APP Outpatient in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Cell Phone
Chicago
Exercise
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Information Seeking Behavior
Internet
Male
Medically Underserved Area
Middle Aged
Patient Preference
Poverty
Social Media
Young Adult